Again I’m a bit against the crowd.
Sure I reuse my pen needles a few times during the day if I want/ need to, but I know I could find a box of 100 needles or syringes for less than 10$. I buy an extra box online once in a while as I use more than what the insurance covers
Always good to shop around. And recycle what you can. Its a challenge to live sustainably in today’s world.
m
You are welcome!
I now use a pump, but when I used Novolog & Levemir pens, I did reuse needles. It’s not good to not use a pen with needle that’s not been used for a few days. It can get obstructed.
It’s also important to think twice when traveling, as sometimes it might be unwise.
If you come close to running out before your prescription is ready, you could ask you doctor if they can give you an emergency stash? If it’s not a common occurrence, they may?
When I was first diagnosed, it was glass and metal syringes, whooping big fat needles, sterilized with surgical spirit! I was 7! Life is so much easier now.
Best of luck
Thank you, Lisa! Yes, we have come a long way!
Stay strong!
Marina
In a message dated 5/6/2019 12:38:03 AM Eastern Standard Time, jdrf@discoursemail.com writes:
U put yourself at risk for infection like cellulitis or an abcess but not likely unless you are unclean and leaving your syringes uncapped and laying around. If you overuse your syringe, the lining on the needle that helps it glide through your epidermis will fade and the needle will end up causing pain and maybe bruising. Im definitely guilty of reusing syringes and pen needles.
The needles are not the costliest part of being diabetic — but on principle ( I like being frugal and hate to see waste of any sort) I asked my doctor whether it was feasible to reuse the syringes. He said yes, but when I suggested that the insulin might become contaminated, he definitely agreed. So the bottom line for me is to not take any chances ---- but I will reuse a syringe if I have to ( like forget to pick them up at the pharmacy.)Years of experience with diabetes have taught me that I can cut corners and save time – and money --in other areas, e.g. I do not always wash my hands or clean the site with an alcohol swab. I re-use the lancet innumerable times, since it’s a nuisance to change them. I carry the insulin, unrefrigirated, in my purse — but always with me, Leaving it in the car could either overheat it or expose it to cold. I also inject myself through clothing – as in a restaurant, not wanting to make an issue of the injection. For low blood sugar I carry apple juice in little glass wine bottles, having weaned myself from the handy boxed juices ( 15 gm. carb!!!)— my juice is organic and not from China, but that’s another story. I guess we all try to do the best we can.